Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen is an automaker based in Germany. Its products typically command a higher price than those of competing models, but the return is a more upscale driving and ownership experience.

In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car at the request of Adolph Hitler. His answer -- a beetle-shaped sedan that was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car") -- debuted two years later. Hitler had a town built near the plant for factory workers; he named it Kraft durch Freude Stadt (derived from the Nazi party's motto, "Joy through Strength"), and soon decided that Porsche's creation should be named the KdF-wagen (short for the "Joy through Strength" car). This upset Porsche, who was not political.

World War II delayed production of the vehicle; the factory suffered extensive damage during combat, and was ultimately taken over by the British Army. The company was renamed Volkswagen, and the town at the factory was renamed Wolfsburg (after Werner von Schulenberg of Wolfsburg, who had been forced to surrender his land for the construction of the town and factory). By the end of the 1940s, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle had begun. The model made its first appearance on U.S. shores in 1949.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen broadening its product range, adding the Bus (Type 2) to its lineup. The Bus, especially, proved quite popular due to its versatility. And the Beetle, which went on to become the best-selling car of all time, quickly showed signs of being an enduring favorite, with more than 1 million models produced at the Wolfsburg factory by 1955. This decade also saw the debut of the Karmann Ghia sports car, which featured a sleek, Italian-designed two-seater body atop a Beetle platform.

Volkswagen's star rose during the 1960s, its success fueled largely by the breakout success of the Beetle. The car benefited from an effective advertising campaign and from an appearance in a popular Disney movie. By the close of the decade, Volkswagen's yearly output of Beetles topped the 1 million mark.

In 1972, with more than 15 million units assembled, the Beetle topped the world production record set by Ford's Model T. Mid-decade saw the launch of a new era of Volkswagens that had front-mounted, water-cooled engines driving the front wheels. The Passat (Dasher in the U.S.) was the first of the new breed and was built using standardized components that could be used interchangeably among other models in the manufacturer's lineup. The Passat was soon joined by the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.), which met with immediate success. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer's lineup had grown to include the Scirocco sport coupe and the performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit GTI. The Beetle, however, was discontinued for the U.S. market.

The Golf grew in popularity during the '80s, becoming Volkswagen's most popular model. When a second generation of the car was built in 1983, it was crafted in a mostly automated process using robots -- marking the first time robots had been used in vehicle manufacture. By the mid-'80s, the U.S. version traded the Rabbit name for "Golf." The higher-performance Golf GTI helped the manufacturer make waves on the rally circuit. In 1986, Volkswagen Motorsport nabbed the title of Group A World Rally Champions.

Volkswagen saw its sales in the North American market tumble during the early '90s, but by the end of the decade, refocused marketing efforts and an increased emphasis on new products had brought about a turnaround in the company's fortunes. The popular New Beetle helped put the company back on the radar in the United States (though it fared less successfully in European markets). The body style was based on the classic Beetle, and it struck a chord with consumers who still had a place in their hearts for the iconic, cheerful-looking "love bug."

The new millennium saw Volkswagen moving into the luxury segment with the launch of the pricey Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV. Though well-designed and executed, the Phaeton was a disappointment sales-wise, perhaps signaling unwillingness on the part of consumers to shell out premium dollars for a brand that lacks the cachet of established upscale names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Luckily, Volkswagen has seen success with other vehicles in its lineup, which currently includes everything from family-oriented sedans to roomy SUVs. Today, the automaker enjoys a reputation for crafting vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale accommodations.

User Reviews:

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  A Great Choice for a Practical Person - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marlboro - November 20 - 4:56 pm

  The Jetta is the only car in its price range that had all the features that I was looking for. I need room for two adults and three small children. This car has uncompromised safety demonstrated by its great crash test results, side curtain airbags, VSA and ABS. It has a low cost to own and the ability to fit in our small garage. Its ride, handling, and luxury features are also important. So far the car is running great. Its fun to drive, zipping in and out of traffic and barely sips fuel. The car is very solid, the doors close with a nice thump and it rides firmly without body lean in the corners yet soaks up bumps. The 4 year warranty, low fuel cost, and historically high resale value should keep the total cost to own low.

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  Fun to drive, unreliable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By k - November 20 - 4:00 pm

  This was my first new car and I instantly fell in love ... until numerous electrical problems left me stranded several times with dead batteries. At 20,000 miles I had to replace the computer, radiator, and transmission! At 25,000 miles I had a wheel bearing go out. At 40,000 my spark plugs were completely shot, to the point that my car wouldnt start. All of this despite completing all suggested maintenance and generally taking good care of the car. Im car shopping now because I cant afford to keep up with this kind of maintenance once my warranty is up, but I know Ill miss a lot of the features.

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  Fun to drive, but think before you buy - 2012 Volkswagen EOS
  By greasemonkey12 - November 20 - 11:50 am

  My wife wanted to buy a convertible when we moved to GA from NY. We chose the Eos because of the hard top because our infant son. We also liked the roll over protection that is built into the rear head rests. However with the top down you have little room for cargo. We expected this, however I can barely fit my golf clubs in the trunk, even with the top up. The turbo charged engine is OK and fun at first, however it takes some pedal control to come off the line without slamming yourself back into the seat, when the turbo kicks in.

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  Dont Buy One! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BWare - November 20 - 1:46 am

  I admired the looks of the Jetta for a long time and knew this was the car for me. I bought it with 15,00 miles in 2001. When I drove the 5 speed, I was thrilled with its zip and handling. Never had a more fun car to drive. However, this car has cost me more money to maintain than ANY I have ever owned. Replacement of coils, light and electrical probs, the list is a long one. I will never own another Volkswagon. I am going back to buy another reliable, if a bit boring, Honda-which I had before and which cost me almost nothing to maintain and never broke down.

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  The Best Sports car for $25,000 - 2007 Volkswagen GTI
  By Jon from Tampa - November 19 - 7:16 pm

  From the moment I test drove one of these I had to have one. I drove a 2003 A4 before this and this car blows my Audi away! This car is near perfect from the factory, however, if I could recommend two things to current owners to make it PERFECT: Eibach Pro-kit springs and APR Stage I chip. Period. The springs lower the car about 1" and the chip adds about 45 HP and roughly 80-90 ft lbs. of torque (as if it doesnt have enough already:) which is just enough to bring the performance up to a level that allows this car to compete with 350Zs, G35s, Boxsters, 330Cis, and even IS300s.

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  My happy car! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mary5685 - November 19 - 9:23 am

  The Beetle still has an awkward cup holder system, it is but not a big deal unless there is two of us in car. Good handling with the Pm2 system. I just love this color red and feel happy to drive it every day. However I have to sort out the owners manual as it state it is for a convertible and I have a hardtop-did not get satisfactory answer from my salesperson-will check at its first servicing. I got a great deal with XM radio and rubber floor mats for $21,500. I had a 2005 TDI which ended up being a lemon, but had enough faith in VW that this was just a one off thing-glad to have the gas bigger engine now that I have switched. No regrets.

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  Third Passat and this is the best one yet! - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mortis Van Berg - November 19 - 5:03 am

  My first Passat was a 2007 model which I loved and regret selling it. The 2017 R-Line model has made me forget about the previous models. Great looking car and fun to drive so far. I work for Toyota but I choose the Passat over the Camry. I put over 40k on my previous models and had ZERO issues.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sharon - November 19 - 1:53 am

  The Volkswagen Touareg is a great car. I have a Toyota SUV, but I like this one better. It is great on the highway and in local traffic. The turning radius is unbelievable.

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  You get what you pay for - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWRattletrap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Volkswagen and yes, Id get another one. I havent had the ignition/electrical problems others have had, but my car has had its share. The list: 2 radios, engine computer, cruise control, rear passenger electric window motor, falling trim. Think of it this way: the same size car with the same features from BMW or Mercedes will cost $15-20K more . . . youve got to expect something to give. VW has put its money into the drivetrain and suspension, certainly not the interior build quality. The secret to silencing the squeaks, rattles, and buzzes of any VW is to cram a penny or two between the plastic bits that are causing the noise.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Cion - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Have Had It For About a week Now.....Just So Much Fun To Drive. About 20 people already have came up to me and asked what is that after i tell them they say that it is one hot lookin SUV!!!